Signs, Effects, and Rehab Options

Methamphetamine, also known as meth, crystal meth, and ice, is an extremely potent central nervous system stimulant that has a significant impact on the biological and chemical functions of the brain. Meth has been shown to increase levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with the experience of pleasure, motivation, and reward, much more rapidly and intensely than most other psychoactive substances.[1] The intensity at which dopamine is released in the brain is one of the major contributing factors for why meth can develop into compulsive behavior and become increasingly difficult to stop without intervention.[2]

The first developed use of methamphetamine occurred in the early 20th century, when meth was used in medicine for nasal or sinus congestion and then later for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).[3] During World War II, meth in stimulant form was distributed widely to military personnel throughout the war to reduce fatigue and keep soldiers awake. With the advent of non-medical uses of meth, the increased availability of illicitly manufactured meth, and also the potency of illicitly manufactured meth increased.

Regardless of how meth is consumed, repeated exposure causes disruption in areas of the brain that are involved in regulating reward, motivation, memory, and decision-making.[4] The more a person uses meth, the less their brain is able to regulate these functions, resulting in increased craving and difficulty stopping without assistance.

Long-term effects from using meth have resulted in changes to nearly every system in the body, such as the nervous, cardiovascular, skin, dental, and respiratory systems. Long-term use is associated with a variety of debilitating mental health consequences, including anxiety, depressed mood, paranoia, and psychosis—especially with continued or heavy use.[5]

Meth addiction, or methamphetamine use disorder, is defined as an alteration of brain chemistry and behavior as a result of repeated use of meth. Over time, someone with a dependency on meth will develop an overall decreased ability to exert impulse control and increased craving levels, and be unable to stop using without formal structure.

As a person continues to use meth, the physical effects usually extend beyond the brain. Individuals often experience physical strain, emotional instability, and behavior changes that affect their everyday functioning.[6] The use of meth often becomes increasingly central to the user’s daily activities and leads to a subsequent decline in their ability to perform at work or within their family. Continued use is also associated with increased levels of anxiety, depressed mood, sleep disturbance, and cognitive impairment, all of which worsen with continued use.

Some of the signs of meth addiction may include:

• Using meth more often or in greater amounts than intended.
• Having intense cravings or an inability to stop using, even though you want to.
• Not taking an active interest in your usual activities or responsibilities.
• Using meth despite experiencing negative impacts associated with your continued use.

Each of these signs describes behavior changes that suggest meth use has progressed from an experimental phase into a progression of signs that may indicate the need for professional treatment. Early intervention is essential to decreasing the risk of developing long-term health complications and improving the chances of recovery.[7]
It is also common for individuals struggling with meth to also struggle with alcohol addiction or other substances.[8] While alcohol rehab focuses on specific withdrawal protocols, meth treatment requires a distinct approach to address the unique neurological impacts of stimulants.

While it is common for someone to seek out rehabilitation for meth only after they have “reached their rock bottom,” many individuals may seek out structured treatment when they realize that their use of meth has taken over or is beginning to negatively affect their life.
These are some of the instances when someone can benefit from structured treatment:

• Those who are regularly using and can no longer stop on their own
• People who are experiencing strong urges to use, mood swings, or unstable emotional states.
• Those experiencing increased anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric conditions.
• If you are struggling to carry out work, school, or family responsibilities.
• People who have continually attempted to stop or decrease their use, but continue being drawn back to it.
• Anyone needing any form of consistency or accountability to successfully navigate the early stages of recovery.

Due to specific effects that meth has on the brain in terms of impulse control, reward, motivation, and emotional regulation, rehabilitation from a meth addiction typically supports many people in their continued functioning.

If you are looking for a place to recover from an addiction to methamphetamine, Agape Treatment Center in the Fort Lauderdale area has multiple levels of care dedicated to assisting you throughout the recovery process.

Methamphetamine exerts a potent influence over the brain’s reward and motivational systems. A long-term methamphetamine addiction can create impaired ability to regulate mood, manage stress, and control cravings without external assistance.[9] For these reasons, it is typically a necessity for an individual to seek assistance through using more than one method or form of counseling.
Structurally treating a methamphetamine addiction allows an individual to receive consistent, accountable assistance during what is likely to be a time of poor decision-making and emotional imbalance. A predictable routine is created through services such as partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment services, which ultimately allows an individual to develop new coping methods while creating a decreased risk of relapse.
If a person effectively utilizes therapy and skill-building, as well as continued support, the chances are they will be able to successfully recover from an addiction and obtain the stability needed in life.

As an addiction treatment facility, Agape Treatment Center has different levels of care that provide evidence-based, medically necessary treatment directed toward someone struggling with an addiction to meth, as well as addressing their mental health needs. Every client entering Agape is provided a specific, individualized treatment plan that addresses their substance usage, co-occurring mental health issues, and functional abilities.
Additionally, our program incorporates medication-assisted treatment when appropriate to help manage withdrawal symptoms and support long-term sobriety.
Many who are seeking treatment for an addiction to meth will also have an additional psychiatric disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Agape helps individuals address issues not only related to substance usage but also underlying emotional and psychiatric symptoms through a dual diagnosis approach at every level of the treatment process.